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where would one buy the taps .. i would like to tap the 3 big mature sugar maples in my yard.. how many taps can a tree handle?
The taffy was always my favorite part of the whole sugaring experience!!
the taps are called "spiles".a mature tree can handle 3, maybe 4 taps.in areas where it's common to tap trees, local hardware or farm supply stores should carry suggering equipment.if you're just doing a few trees for fun, you can boil down with a big stainless steel pot.resist the temptation to boil inside- the steam makes a mess of your walls and ceilings. a big mess.you will need to boil around 35 to 40 gallons of sap to get a gallon of syrup.don't boil it too hard- just hot enough to have a gentle rolling boilkeep adding sap, slowly, as you boil.when you get close to the syrup stage, be careful-you can boil over and ruin the whole batch.use a candy thermometer-as the syrup stage approaches, the boil temp gets lower.(from 212 to 208 or so-i can't remember.)don't keep sap for more than a day or two.hope this helps
I boil my sap in the house on the wood stove and have never had a problem with a mess on the wall. I also save my sap sometimes for 2-3 days in cool wheather and have no problem with that either. I never bring it to a boil either.
If you get an extra gallon let me know.
If you do end up making some syrup, you'll have to boil some down and make taffy. Pour it from the boiling pan directly onto some clean snow and roll it up with a spoon or butter knife or something. The taffy was always my favorite part of the whole sugaring experience!!
Here in NY our taps are really running. Looks like one of the best flows we've had in years. We will start boiling on Friday.